Statement of Values

We are committed to protecting human health and the environment from contamination from toxic substances, by working to reform policies and practices involving toxic substances.

Inclusion: We value diversity and aim to involve diverse populations in our work. The respective roles and input of our partners are acknowledged as equally crucial to the realization of our vision. We commit to including the languages and cultures of our partners in our work.

Collaboration: We value working in partnership with a wide range of allies aiming to pool together the information, resources, and perspectives necessary to realize our vision. Alliance goals are clearly defined and agreed upon by all members and are periodically reviewed and updated, if necessary. Taskforce goals are expressed and supported by taskforce members.

Environmental justice: We acknowledge the disproportionate exposure of communities of color and low-income communities to environmental burdens and toxic hazards. Thus, we believe in environmental justice and community empowerment, and our work is committed to enhancing public participation, transparency, sustainability and precautionary principles, and self-determination.

Communication: We acknowledge different styles of communication, discourse, and decision-making that are reflective of cultural differences. Thus, we strive to respect and understand the points of view, languages, and backgrounds of our partners and are committed to respectful, open, honest communication that works for everybody.

Respect: We treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves. For this reason, we do not tolerate abusive or disrespectful behavior. We work with communities and with each other openly, honestly, respectfully, and sincerely.

Consensus: Decisions that affect the successful completion of our vision are made as a group, rather than by individuals. The insights and opinions of every member is given equal weight in making a decision about our work

Transparency: The structure of the Alliance, and the roles and tasks of the various partners, steering committee and taskforce co-leaders in that structure, are well-defined at the outset, but also are expected to evolve and expand over time as expertise is shared across team partners.

Accountability: all Alliance members are held accountable for completing the work they have committed to complete, or for asking for a process in advance to re-evaluate those commitments. All members will be given the support they need to be able to ask for help or modifications to the work plan.

Communities and self-organization as our foundation: We value and respect the needs, priorities, input, participation, and independence of communities and labor unions, and strive to work towards their empowerment.